A 59-year-old truck driver, Robert Slivar, has claimed he is innocent of charges linked to a €2.1m drug seizure in Cork, a court has been told.
Mr. Slivar, whose previous address was in Ivanic, Croatia, but currently has no fixed abode, appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court last Saturday. He faces two charges relating to the discovery of 107kg of herbal cannabis, consisting of 93 packages.
Mr. Slivar is charged with possession of cannabis, and possession of cannabis for sale or supply, at the Port of Cork in Ringaskiddy on July 27. He had arrived in Cork by ferry from Zeebrugge, Belgium. The charges are related to sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Dt Garda Ryan Dillon had previously opposed bail, citing the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of the charges. He noted that Mr. Silvar remained silent after being cautioned and charged.
Mr. Slivar was remanded in custody and appeared before Cork District Court on Wednesday. His solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, informed Judge John King that his client maintains his innocence.
A statement of means was submitted to the court, and free legal aid was granted. Mr. Kelleher also stated that the accused’s employers were “very concerned about their truck.”
A Croatian interpreter assisted Mr. Silvar throughout the brief hearing. He was dressed in dark clothing and was not required to speak.
Sgt John Kelleher requested a four-week remand, describing the case as being in its “early stages” and awaiting “DPP directions.”
Judge King remanded Mr. Silvar in custody until August 20, when he is scheduled to appear in court via video link for DPP directions.
